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Robot contest aims to build STEM interest

Their mission is to put engineering skills to work under real-time deadlines and build battle 'bots. In the process, the participating students often find a passion for science and engineering.

That's one reason that Gov. Rick Snyder last month attended the FIRST Robotics State Finals at Eastern Michigan University for his second consecutive year.

Snyder has taken a special interest in Manchester, N.H.-based FIRST Robotics (FIRST as in For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a worldwide competition that gives high school students the opportunity to build, design and program remote-controlled robots that battle in two-minute games.

And although it may appear to be just playing with mechanical toys, the program helps interest students of all ages in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — commonly known as STEM.

The importance is evident, especially to Snyder and members of the Michigan Legislature who have supported the state's FIRST Robotics teams and their goals, investing $3 million last year and recommending $2 million more in this year's budget.

"We have a highly supportive governor right now," said Barbara Bolin, executive director of the Lansing-based Michigan STEM Partnership, a statewide public-private collaborative that includes educators, employers and legislators. "He's very supportive of STEM education, FIRST Robotics and other programs."

Bolin has worked as a mentor for a FIRST Robotics team. Professional engineers also will often work side by side with students while building the robots.

Kids from elementary to high school are involved with FIRST Robotics. The project designs programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in STEM while building self-confidence, knowledge and life skills.

"Is every one of the kids involved going to go into a STEM field? No," Bolin said. "But I can tell you that through efforts like FIRST Robotics, kids are going on to college."

The nonprofit FIRST Robotics, founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology, now has 314,000 participants worldwide in 70 countries.

Last year, more than 29,000 teams competed, compared with 28 teams during the inaugural year. Michigan has at least 280 teams including 77 additions this year, more than any other state in the country. California is second with 237 teams.

At the FIRST Robotics Championship in St. Louis this month, "Team RUSH" from Clarkston won the Chairman's Award, the highest honor given at the event. It recognizes the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the purpose and goals of FIRST Robotics.

David Valencia, a 21-year-old advanced manufacturing student at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, has nothing but praise for FIRST Robotics. He first experienced the program while in high school.

"Instead of doing things by myself, it gave me a group-team atmosphere," Valencia said.

"It helps train you for the real world. You learn how to work with people. FIRST Robotics is essential. It's the best thing out there for any young people who want to go into business, machining or anything."

Valencia will graduate next year with an associate degree in advanced manufacturing. He plans to attend a four-year university to study product design and developments.

And money is available to help students like Valencia with their post-secondary education. More than $16 million in college scholarships is available to FIRST alumni to help them on the path to careers in STEM-related fields.

"There are just all sorts of different ways to get kids engaged," Bolin said. "Certainly, robotics is one of the fun ones."